Constructing buildings in different climates will mean choosing the right materials for the weather and ensuring that they last through potential natural disasters. In a state like Utah, it is important for contractors and commercial construction companies to design buildings for all different types of environmental factors. Choosing materials and components for building in harsh environments will save you money on future repairs. 

EK Bailey has constructed many sustainable and adaptable buildings for Utah businesses. In this blog, we will look at some reinforced materials, how to protect your project from storms during the building process, and how to help the building last through changing temperatures. 

1- Choose Reinforced Materials

The best way to ensure that your building can withstand weather and natural disasters is to build with reinforced materials. These materials have reinforced fibers, and additives, and have increased strength-to-weight ratios. These types of materials will have less risk of corrosion which will prevent a weakened building. Corrosion and degradation could lead to building collapse during extremely cold temperatures, earthquakes, tsunamis, and more. 

Some common materials you could look for include stainless steel, carbon fiber, advanced composites, and fiber-reinforced polymer. 

2- Make Your Structure Flexible

As architecture continues to evolve, many different building designs will help the building to flex or move and stay standing during an earthquake. Strategically placing beams inside a large building will help to transfer the energy and shock waves throughout the building. 

There are other instances in which your building should be flexible besides just potential earthquakes. The environment can change as trees are removed, more buildings are built, the earth warms, and other factors. Talking to environmental specialists or learning more about sustainable construction could help set your project up for long-term success. 

3- Brace Building Components

While building, weather components can arise and put a delay in your project. Tilt-up panels, masonry walls, scaffolding, anchors, and more should be put in place to keep your work zone safe. Cover openings with tarps until windows or doors can be installed. Securing partially build materials and keeping workers properly informed will prevent injury and project delays. 

Building in harsh environments doesn’t have to take twice as long as a normal construction project. When construction managers take the right precautions, the weather won’t slow down production. 

4- Have A Safety Plan For Multiple Weather Conditions

It may be hard to predict when inclement weather may occur, and how building in harsh environments will affect your workers. Having a safety plan in action that all your crew is aware of will help prevent injury and chaos. 

Some things to consider include,

• Secure large equipment
• Plan an escape route
• Identify a place for site drainage
• Protect workers from flying hazards
• Relocate vehicles
• Prohibit smoking
• Offer weather protective gear

Locking down a safety plan and putting plans in place before storms occur, will set your construction site up for success. 

5- Build With The Future In Mind

Designing your building for the future could help it remain standing during harsh conditions down the road. Over time, land will change, trees and other vegetation will be removed, and the way the world functions will change. If you plan for your building to be a safe place and refugees, it can be sustainable and a staple for people.

The land will change slowly as well, so as mentioned above, having a flexible building plan even while you are in the construction phase will save you from frustration. Moving walls, mobile shading devices, and on-site medical facilities will help your building in harsh environments and prepare you for any instance that may come up.

Installing sustainable materials or items like solar panels can make a strong building in harsh conditions and withstand a natural disaster. The building can be a place with light and water for those whose spaces may be without these vital necessities. 

Construction Projects From EK Bailey

Our building professionals mostly work on commercial projects around the state of Utah. Fast-food restaurants, shopping centers, medical facilities, and tilt-up buildings are just some of our common projects. 

As our company has grown since 1954, we have learned more about modern construction methods and how they can improve commercial buildings for the future. Our priority is to ensure that every customer is completely satisfied with our work. We have an excellent team of estimators, project managers, operators, builders, and more to ensure that your project is built to perfection.

Delays and setbacks will occur during any type of project. While it may be impossible to avoid construction project delays completely, some steps can help avoid setbacks and the loss of money. 

Working with a construction company means there are many moving parts to deal with. Delays are almost normal when you need materials, equipment, and human resources to complete them. EK Bailey Construction has been a trusted construction company for many years and does our very best to avoid delays.

Whether you are a client of a construction company, a construction manager, or looking into starting your construction project, below are some ways to avoid delays and frustration when they arise. 

1- Be Flexible With Materials And Equipment

Building a healthcare facility, shopping center, or office building will require different types of materials for them to function properly. While you want your construction project to look its best, being flexible with changes in materials will help you avoid construction project delays because some colors or materials may be easier to obtain. If you are willing to adapt or look at similar options, your project can still look presentable and be completed on your timeline. 

2- Require Suppliers To Provide Progress Updates

All workers on a project should provide updates and shipping timelines for a project to stay on schedule. Suppliers of materials or rented equipment should stay in contact with a contractor or independent buyer so you can keep track of your progress toward your goal. Even after receiving materials, keeping detailed records will help you track how the project is progressing and avoid unnecessary delays.

3- Be Cautious When Giving Bids And Timelines

For building companies, transparency about timelines and potential delays is essential if you want to keep your clients. Keeping up your reputation can be done by being cautious when giving quick turnaround times or bids you can simply not complete. Being open and communicative with a client will help prepare them for delays and give you a grace period if something does come up. 

Setting clear expectations with the client will give you a little wiggle room when delays or backorders do arise. 

4- Clearly Understand What A Contract Says About Delays

While you may not be able to avoid construction project delays completely, reading your contract can help prepare you for what to do when they do arise. A contract will outline what the construction company or contractor will do when a delay occurs. It may also discuss what you need to do as the client, or how you will be compensated for loss of time or money. 

Read the fine print of your construction contract and ask any questions before signing and before beginning a large construction project.

5- Treat The Building Team Well

While treating your workers or team with respect may be common sense, spreading positivity and kindness will help your project go smoother. Retention, dedication, attention to detail, and communication are all benefits that can come from praise and good treatment. 

Construction managers should reward their team for hard work but also help them with anything they may need to complete the work on time. Letting your team struggle or deal with angry clients on their own, won’t do any good. The job needs to be completed, but leading by example or taking a step back to improve working situations may lead to better results in the end. 

6- Keep Open Communication

Hold consistent team meetings, stay in contact with your contractor, and ensure all project team members know the estimated timeline to avoid construction project delays. Discussing problems as they arise, will also help you brainstorm solutions that could prevent delays or limit them. 

Communication is important when it comes to construction. The project and purchasing will go much smoother when every person knows what is expected of them.

Projects From EK Bailey Construction

Our team has completed many commercial projects across the state of Utah and continues to receive positive feedback from our clients. EK Bailey builds office buildings, gas stations, fast food restaurants, auto dealerships, and more. We also offer land development for those who want to tackle projects on their own or spaces that need some prep work before the building begins. No matter the size of your project, you can have peace of mind knowing that we will give you an accurate timeline for your project and transparent pricing. 

Reach out to our team by filling out our contact form to ask any questions or schedule a pre-construction consultation!